Convertible article of furniture



A ril 14, 1953 D. A. LIPKA CONVERTIBLE ARTICLE OF FURNITURE Filed March19, 1952 IN V EN TOR.

Dal. a/zzs A L 00/64 Patented Apr. 1 4, 195 3 UNITED STATES OFFICE 10Claims. 1

The present invention relates to a convertible article of furniture,which is adapted for several modes of usage either as an indoor or anoutdoor home accessory.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel article of furniturewhich may be used selectively as a chair, a table, or a cushion rack,without requiring mechanical alteration or rearrangement of itsconstituent parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a convertible article offurniture which is simple and inexpensive, yet attractive and useful forthe purpose above noted.

A further object is to provide a combination article of furniture whichmay be used effectively as a space saver in living quarters whereinadded seating and table facilities may be required from time to time,although normally the conservation of space may be necessary or at leastdesirable in such living quarters.

The foregoing and other general objectives are attained by the meansdescribed herein and illustrated upon the accompanying drawing, inwhich:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of the convertible article offurniture embodying the present invention, showing use thereof as achair or seat in compact form.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the article of Figure 1 shown invertedand used as a table.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a typical arrangement in whichthe cushions of the Figure 1 device may be included, the cushions beingused as individual seats.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of one of the upright struts utilized inthe construction of the article of furniture.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a modification of the article offurniture illustrated by Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of a second modification.

Figure '7 is a top plan view of a third modification.

The device of the invention, being convertible as shown, for use as achair, a table, or a cushion rack, must properly be considered acombination article possessing the attributes of compactness andversatility of use in the interest of conserving space. In general,living quarters are normally arranged to accommodate the members of afamily, and possibly a limited number of guests. However, on occasion,the number of occupants may exceed the accommodations provided, therebyrequiring temporary augmentation of the seating facilities or tablespace, or possibly both, and it is of course desirable in such a case tomeet the unusual requirements with the least amount of effort, andwithout disarranging much of the furnishings of the living quarters. Thearticle of furniture herein disclosed is adapted expecially for quicklymeeting situations such as that mentioned above, in a manner which ispleasing, simple, and in good taste.

Figures 2 and 3 depict a typical arrangement of cushions and a smalltable I2 before a radio or television receiver l3, quickly and. easilyconsummated with the mere inverting of the article shown in Figure 1,the article providing an additional table (Figure 2), and a series ofauxiliary seats in the form of cushions 0. While only two cushions areshown in use at the table [2, it should be understood that all of thecushions normally embodied in the converted chair of Figure 1, could beused; and moreover, the number of cushions or seat elements embodied inthe chair is subjected to variation, depending upon the thickness of thecushions and the height to which they may be stacked within theframework of the article of furniture. The suitability of the Figure 2-3arrangement for use by extra guests, and particularly children, shouldreadily be appreciated. It may here be noted that the elements of Figure3 may appear to be shown on a smaller scale than those of Figure 2, butactually the cushions C of Figure 3 will bear the relationship of sizeto the article frame illustrated upon Figure 1. That is, the size of thecushion approximates the size of the panel M, by preference, and willusually conform with the shape thereof.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the character is indicates a substantiallyfiat panel having an interior face I5 and an opposed exterior face it,the latter serving as a table top when the article of furniture isinverted to the Figure 2 position. The interior face l5 serves as asupport for a stack of cushions C when the device is used as a chair oras a cushion rack. The panel Id may be in the form of a fiat board ofwood or any equivalent table material having the necessary rigidity, orif preferred, the panel may be formed from metal sheet or the like. Bypreference, though not of necessity, the exterior face It of the panelmay be coated, covered, or otherwise treated to furnish a satisfactorytable top which is washable, and resistant to the destructive effects offood and beverage chemicals. The surface It may be suitably decorated,if desired.

Although as shown in the drawing the panel I4 is of substantiallycircular configuration, it will become apparent as the descriptionproceeds, that such panel is subject to considerable variation ofcontour and size. One proposed variation is illustrated by Figure '7,wherein the panel is shown generally kidney-shaped. Square orrectangular panels, or panels of almost any appropriate geometric designmight be incorporated in the article of furniture, within the spirit ofthe present invention.

The peripheral portion of the panel furnishes an anchorage for theupstanding framework which may be constituted of a main frame element llwhich comprises a horizontal loop section !8, forward main uprights l9and 20, and a series of upright struts or braces 2| which connect theloop section with the peripheral portion of the base panel. The loopsection 18 forms the arm rests and the back when the device is used as achair. The extent of the horizontal loop section it? exceeds half theperimeter of base panel I 4, so that when the device is used as a tableas in Figure 2, the table is ensured against tipping.

If desired, the uprights l9 and 2c of the main frame element may be madeintegral with the horizontal loop section l8, particularly when the mainframe element is formed from metal tubing, bendable wood strips, and thelike. In other constructions, the forward main uprights may be separateparts secured at their upper ends to the horizontal arm rest and backsection it. The struts or braces 2| may be formed in accordance withFigure 4, the upper and lower ends thereof being flattened and piercedas at 22 and 23, to receive screws, bolts or other fasteners 24 whichsecure the struts or braces to the members it and i8. As shown inFigures 1 and 2, the article of furniture is constructed of metal tubingin the framework, which may be plated with a suitable finish such aschromium, cadmium or other wear-resistant metal. The elementsof thedevice may of course be finished or decorated in any other suitablemanner to comply with the demands of purchasers. It will be understoodalso that the tubular elements may be of oval, square or othercross-sectional shape, if desired.

In the modification illustrated by Figure 5, the base panel 26 supportsa framework constructed of bamboo, cane, or similar wood material bentand braced substantially in accordance with Figure 1. In the modifiedconstruction, the main frame element is designated 27, and the uprightstruts or braces bear the reference character 28. Here again, the loopsection 28 is horizontal, and parallel to the base or panel 26, whilethe forward main uprights 30 are disposed substantially at right anglesto the planes of the loop section and the base panel. Fasteners 31 ofany suitable type may be employed for rigidly securing the elements ofthe article of furniture to one another and to the base panel 26. Therequired connections may be established in accordance with any goodconstruction practice recognized in the art. The characters 32 indicatefeet or sliders applied to the exterior face 33 of the base panel, forthe purpose of elevating such face above floor level when the device isused as a chair. The feet or sliders serve also to facilitate movementof the article of furniture across a floor or carpet, and may thereforeperform the same function as would be performed by rollers or swivelcaster which may be considered the equivalent thereof.

Reverting to Figures ,1 and 2, there is shown as optional equipment forthe article of furniture, a series of casters 34, preferably of theswivel type, which serve to facilitate movement of the device across thefloor or other supporting surface. At least three or four casters shouldbe furnished for the purpose stated, and these may be of conventionaltype comprising a vertical shaft or stem receptive in bores or sockets35 provided marginally in the exterior face of panel Hi. In order thatthe article of furniture may be moved with equal facility when used as atable, similar bores or sockets 36 may be provided in the upper surfaceof the loop section I8 of the main frame element. Thus, the swivelcasters may be interchangeably applied to the base panel or to the loopsection of the main frame, as suggested by Figures 1 and 2. The bores orsockets 36 may be suitably plugged or covered when not in use, ifdesired. It should here be noted that the space between the forward mainuprights l9 and 20 will be ample to permit use of the device as a chairwhen one or more cushions C are embraced within the framework of thedevice. This requirement is applicable to all forms of the device.

In the modification illustrated by Figure 6, the base panel 3'? is madecircular or substantially so, and the horizontal loop section 38 ofwood, metal or other suitable material, is shown rectangular incross-sectional shape. A similar shape is imparted to the forward mainuprights 3S3 and the upright struts or braces 40 which connect the loopsection to the panel 31. The lower ends of the upright struts or braces40 in this case may be supported upon and within the perimeter of thepanel 31, and this may apply also to the lower ends of the forward mainup..- rights 39. The number of struts or braces em.- ployed is optionalwith the designer of the article of furniture. Cushions such as C are torest upon the panel 31 in the manner illustrated by Figure 1. It mayhere be noted that the forward main uprights of the frame serve as a barto accidental displacement of cushions from the confines of theframework. In all forms of the device, as in Figure 1, the lowerterminal ends ii of the forward main uprights are appropriately anchoredto the base panel, as by means of fasteners 32.

In the Figure '7 modification, the base panel 43 is of a variantconfiguration, approximating a kidney shape by way of example. frameelement id is correspondingly shaped, and comprises the loop section 45parallel to the panel 43. The forward main uprights are illustrated at46, and the series of upright struts or braces is represented at 41.Except for the difference in configuration, the device of Figure 7 maybe constructed in substantially the manner set forth in the descriptionof Figures 1, 2, 5 and .6. The cushion C in every case, preferablycorresponds in shape with the shape of the base panel.

From the preceding explanation, the possibilities of imparting square,rectangular, or other geometric configurations to the articleconstruction, should readily be evident. The cushions may be constructedof foam rubber, cotton batting, straw, or any other material commonlyused for the purpose. The cushions may include springs, if desired. Toobtain the desired decorative and wearing qualities, the covers for thecushions may be fabricated from suitable na-.- terials such asLeatherette, plastics, rayon, or various textiles treated if desired, towithstand The main the deteriorating effects of weather or hard usage.It may be noted that the device of the invention is suitable for outdooruse as well as indoor use, and may conveniently be carried on campingtrips or tours or to places of amusement, when desired. The device maybe made in various sizes and styles for use by juveniles and adults, andthe decorative possibilities as to color, finish, or quality ofmaterials employed are practically unlimited. The number of cushions tobe accommodated by the device will depend on the thickness of thecushions and the dimensions of the framework. The height to whichcushions may be stacked within the framework and upon the base panel, isdiscretionary with the purchaser, and extra cushions may be suppliedwhen required. The use of swivel casters 3 or sliders 32 upon the deviceis optional.

It is to be understood that various modifications and changes instructural details of the device may be resorted to, within the scope ofthe appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim is:

l. A combination chair, table, and. cushion rack, comprising incombination, a substantially flat base panel having an exterior tableface, and an opposed interior face supporting a stack of individuallyremovable seat cushions, said faces being bounded by a peripheralmarginal portion of the panel, a main frame element including a loopsection and a pair of spaced forward main uprights each having aterminal end, means securing said terminal ends to the marginal portionof the base panel at points spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate thelimbs of a person in sitting position upon the cushions aforesaid, andbrace means connecting the loop section of the main frame element to theperipheral marginal portion of the base panel, with the loop section inspaced substantial parallelism with the exterior table face of thepanel, so that upon inverting the assembly said exterior face'will belevel and elevated for use as a table.

2. A device in accordance with claim 1, in which both the loop sectionand the base panel include socket means for interchangeably supporting aset of anti-friction elements facilitating movement of the assemblyalong a supporting surface.

3. A device in accordance with claim 1, in which the forward mainuprights are disposed in approximate right-angular relationship to theloop section, and the loop section is of greater extent than half theperimeter of the base panel.

4. A combination chair, table, and cushion rack, comprising incombination, a substantially flat base panel having an exterior tableface, and an opposed interior face supporting a stack of individuallyremovable seat cushions, said faces being bounded by a peripheralmarginal portion of the panel, a framework to confine the stack ofcushions, said framework comprising a main frame element including apair of forward main uprights each having a terminal end, and ahorizontal loop section which is continuous from one main upright to theother, to provide back and arm rests when the assembly is used as achair, and means supporting the loop section in spaced substantialparallelism with the exterior face of the base panel, so that uponinverting the assembly said exterior face will be level and elevated foruse as a table.

5. A device in accordance with claim 4, in which both the loop sectionand the base panel include means for interchangeably supporting a set ofanti-friction elements facilitating movement of the assembly along asupporting surface.

6. A combination chair, table, and cushion rack, comprising incombination, a substantially flat base panel having an exterior tableface, and an opposed interior face supportin a stack of individuallyremovable seat cushions when the assembly is standing with its exteriortable face adjacent to a supporting surface, said faces being bounded bya peripheral marginal portion of the panel, a framework to confine thestack of cushions, said framework comprising a loop section providingback and arm rests, and a pair of spaced forward main uprights eachhaving a terminal end, means securing said terminal ends to the marginalportion of the base panel at points spaced apart sufficiently toaccommodate the limbs of a person in sitting position upon the stack ofcushions disposed within the confines of th framework, and brace meansconnecting the loop section of the main frame element to the peripheralmarginal portion of the base panel, with the loop section in spacedsubstantial parallelism with the exterior table face of the panel, sothat upon inverting the assembly said exterior face will be level andelevated for use as a table.

'7. A device in accordance with claim 6, in which both he loop sectionand the base panel include means for interchangeably supporting a set ofanti-friction elements facilitating movement of the assembly along asupporting surface.

8. An article of furniture comprising in combination, a substantiallyfiat base panel having a peripheral marginal portion, an exterior face,and an interior face, the latter face supporting a stack of individuallydisplaceable seat cushions, a framework secured to the panel andextending therefrom in one direction away from the interior face of thepanel, so that the exterior face thereof may be disposed substantiallyat floor level while the framework is upstanding relative to asupporting floor, said framework being open at a side thereof toaccommodate the limbs of a person in sitting position upon the cushionsstacked upon the interior face of the panel.

9. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 8, wherein theframework includes arm rests and a back rest all disposed in a planesubstantially parallel to the plane of the panel.

10. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 8, wherein theframework includes arm rests, a back rest, and upright means between thepanel and said rests, serving to confine the stack of cushions andpreclude accidental displacement thereof laterally from the panelinterior face.

DOLORES A. LIPKA.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 2,049,539 Greenwood Aug. 4, 1936 2,499,773 Owens Mar. '7, 1950FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 354,336 Germany June '7, 1922

